Traveler for ring spinning and twisting



Jan. 14, 1969 N. SENTUR'K 3,421,308

TRAVELER FOR RING SPINNING AND TWISTING Filed Sept. 6, 1967 Sheet of2 INVENT OR Jan. 14, 1969 N. SENTURK 3,421,308

TRAVELER FOR RING SPINNING AND TWISTING Filed Sept. 6, 1967 Sheet 2 of 2 INVENT OR jl-cvfr kA/ruec ATTORNEYS United States Patent TRAVELER FOR RING SPINNING AND TWISTING Necdet Senturk, Greensboro, N.C., assignor to Burlington Industries, Inc., Greensboro, N.C., a corporation of Delaware Filed Sept. 6, 1967, Ser. No. 665,892

US. Cl. 57-125 Int. Cl. D01h 7/60 8 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates generally to spinning and twisting apparatus for use in the textile industry in the manufacture of yarns and the like, and more particularly to an improved traveler capable of high speed operation without damage to yarn being spun and twisted and capable of long life.

Present-day spinning and twisting frames have doubled their operating speeds as compared to a few years ago. However, the textile industry has not been able to fully utilize the capability of the high speed operation of the spinning and twisting frames as the ring-traveler systems have not kept up with the operation of the frames and, thus, they damage the yarn being spun or twisted if the frames are operated at too high a speed. In other words, while the speed of the frames of existing textile apparatus can be increased, the speed of the present standardized travelers sold commercially cannot be increased to accommodate the speed of the frames as they would, at increased speeds, damage the yarn being wound on a package.

In present day conventional ring and traveler systems, a substantial amount of heat is generated at the bearing surfaces between the ring and traveler due to the frictional effects of the same, the magnitude of the heat generated being proportional to the square of the linear traveler velocity. During the passage of yarn beneath the traveler, the fibers of the yarn melt and fuse together resulting in a loss of strength of the yarn as well as uneven dyeing characteristics in the yarn. The problem of fiber fusing, especially where synthetic fibers are used, is a well recognized evil in the textile industry and a solution has been to reduce the spindle speed of the package and thus the productivity of the spinning frames.

While there has been no apparent solution to the problem, efforts have been made to improve traveler design by utilizing yarn guides or the like attached to the traveler for controlling the position of the yarn passing therethrough. Although such guides did isolate the yarn from the contact area between the traveler and the ring and in an effort to eliminate some of the problems from heat, such prior constructions upset the balance of the traveler on the ring and resulted in tilting and/0r chattering of the traveler, thus, decreasing the life expectancy of the 3,421,308 Patented Jan. 14, 1969 traveler due to an increase in the rate of heat generated which resulted in burning and excessive wear. While these arrangements have been tried, they have not received commercial acceptance and the traveler manufacturers have thus continued to produce the conventional type of metal C-shaped traveler so as to standardize their designs but this has not eliminated the problem of heat for the textile manufacturer at high linear speeds of the traveler.

An important object of the present invention is to provide an improved traveler for ring spinning and twisting which permits an increase in the overall speed of yarn production but which also substantially eliminates the fusing and bruising of fibers by the traveler.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide an improved traveler capable of high operating speeds with minimum heat damage to the fibers of the yarn. The magnitude of heat locally reached at the point of contact between the traveler and the ring may be as high as 1,000" F. depending upon the speed of the traveler and yet the traveler of the present invention so controls the passing of yarn therethrough that the yarn contacts the traveler at a point where the temperature has dropped sufliciently below the fusing point of the fibers so that there is no damage to the fibers of the: yarn.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent the yarn from approaching ring and traveler contact region by having means to guide the yarn thus minimizing capture or trapping of yarn surface fibers in said region, thereby, reducing yarn hairiness and other phyiscal damage or bruising of the yarn.

A still further object of the present invention is to minimize the fritcional drag between the yarn and traveler by means of decreasing the traveler width by having a cutout section in said width, therefore reducing undesirable fiber dislocation and displacement in the yarn body.

Another object of present invention is to minimize the heat generated in the ring and traveler contact area by means of reducing the contact area between the two by increasing the radius of curvature at the horn section of said traveler. The smaller area of contact between the ring and traveler reduces the amount of metallic particles worn off either from the traveler or ring in the contact region between the two, therefore a smoother running condition of the traveler is obtained. Experiments clearly indicate the fact that a large portion of the heat generated at the ring-traveler contact area is due to the frictional drag created from the presence of worn-off oxidized metal particles in said region either from the traveler or the ring.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a traveler having a means to control the passage of yarn therethrough, the traveler having a lower center of gravity and shorter moment arm than travelers heretofore produced thereby resulting in a minimum of wear of the traveler and thus an increase in time interval between replacement of the traveler on the ring.

A still further object of the present invention is to provide a traveler having means therein to guide the yarn and isolate the same from its contact area, the traveler being capable of being installed on the ring in either direction.

Ancillary to the immediately preceding object, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a traveler capable of use in production of a yarn with an -twist or a Z-twist.

A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved traveler which will reduce the fuzzing and breaking of yarn, this being accomplished by providing smooth contact surfaces on the traveler.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear more fully in the following specification, claims and drawings in which:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary perspective view disclosing the traveler of the present invention mounted on a spinning and twisting ring;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken substantially on the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 3 is a laid out plan view of the traveler of the present invention, the view illustrating the desired position of the hook-shaped cutout portion for guiding and isolating the yarn;

FIGURE 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the traveler illustrated in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of a modified form of the traveler of FIGURE 4, the view illustrating a traveler having cutouts in its opposite edges whereby the traveler may be assembled on a ring in either direction;

FIGURE 6 is a further modified form of the present invention and illustrates a traveler capable of use with a spining and twisting ring for production of S-twist yarn or Z-twist yarn; and

FIGURE 7 is a still further modified form of the present invention and illustrates the opening of the traveler horns by means of incorporating a larger radius of curvature to the said horn section in order to reduce the area of contact between the ring and traveler. Therefore, frictional drag between the ring and traveler is minimized during traveler flight.

Referring now to the drawings wherein like characteristics and reference numerals represent like or similar parts and specifically to FIGURE 1, there is disclosed a package 10 being built onto the usual rotating bobbin or spindle of a spinning frame, the yarn Y being fed to the package 10 from the front rolls of the frame through the usual guides to and beneath a traveler 12 of the present invention mounted on a ring 13 the traveler 12 and package 10 moving and rotating respectively in the direction of the arrow A. The traveler 12 is C-shaped in the end elevation as is a conventional traveler (not shown) and the yarn Y passes from the front rolls of the spinning or drafting frame through suitable guides beneath the trailing edge of the traveler and out of the leading edge onto the rotating spindle, thus, forming the package 10.

In the conventional C-shaped traveler (not shown), the yarn assumes an equilibrium position near the bearing surface of the traveler with the ring and as a result, the yarn is considerably damaged by heat and abrasion when such a traveler operates at high linear speeds. Also, fluctuations will occur in the position of the yarn relative to the conventional traveler which causes excessive abrasion, breaking of the yarn, and fusing and bruising of the yarn, especially when the yarn approaches the horn portion of the traveler.

Referring now specifically to FIGURES 3 and 4, the improved traveler 12 of the present invention which is generally C-shaped, like a conventional traveler, is provided with a body portion 14 having horn portions 16 and 18 integrally extending from the respective ends of the body portion. The horn portions 16 and 18 provide the bearing surfaces for contact with the ring 13, it being understood that the traveler 12 is made from a material which has sufiicient flexibility to enable the same to be sprung apart so that the horn portions 16 and 18 can be passed over the ring and will assume a running position as shown in FIGURE 2.

In order to control the position of contact of the yarn with the traveler 12 so that it does not fluctuate into the high heat area generally designated by the numeral 20 in FIGURE 2, the traveler is provided with a hook-shaped cutout portion 22 in its body portion 14 on its trailing edge 24 as shown in FIGURES 3 and 4. The yarn Y passing downwardly from the front rolls of the spinning or drafting frame and under the traveler 12 and then out of its leading edge 26 cannot slip down the trailing edge 24 past the hook-shaped portion 22 as the same provides a stop and retains the yarn in a predetermined position relative to the traveler at all times.

The hook-shaped cutout portion 22 is preferably positioned on the traveler 12 in its laid out plan position as shown in FIGURE 5 at a distance L from the end of the horn 16 equal to one-third the total length of the traveler. This positions the hook-shaped cutout portion 22 sufficiently far enough away from the horn portion 16 in an area of low heat and also provides the most optimum angle for the yarn to take from the traveler when being wound on the package 10. Additionally, the hook-shaped cutout portion 22 is preferably formed by an are having a radius R at least equal to one-half of the traveler width so that the depth of the cutout portion is at least sufficient to accommodate the yarn used with the particular traveler without the yarn extending beyond the edge 24 of the body portion 14. The are then merges smoothly into the trailing edge 24 as indicated at 30 preferably adjacent the center of the traveler 12.

By providing the hook-shaped cutout portion 22 in the body portion 14, the overall weight of the traveler 12 is reduced thus lowering the effective center of gravity of the traveler towards its horn portions when it is positioned on the ring 13. This enhances the overall smooth performance of the traveler and even produces less wear on the bearing surfaces of the horn portions 16 and 18 as there is less tilt in the traveler 12 relative the ring 13 during operation than in a conventional traveler which is C-shaped but which is not provided with the hook-shaped cutout portion 22. The conventional traveler has a relatively higher center of gravity and as the speed increases for such a traveler the wear increases across the forward edge of the horn portions whereas the traveler 12 is substantially in equilibrium even at high speeds so that there is relatively even wear across the entire contact area of the horn portions 16 and 18 with the ring. Consequently, the traveler 12 of the present invention does not have to be replaced as often as the conventional traveler and it has been found that the life of the traveler 12 is at least 100 percent greater than that of the conventional C- shaped traveler. Additionally, it has been found that production of spinning apparatus has been increased by use of the traveler 12 in the order of a minimum of 10% and generally 20%, and apparently higher.

The traveler 12 of the present invention and a conventional C-shaped traveler were each tested in the production of a 12 count S-yarn made from a /35 Dacron T-64/rayon, 1.8 hank roving. The results of such tests are shown in the following table, it being understood that the traveler 12 of the present invention and the regular C-shaped traveler were both made of the same material, namely, an annealed steel and were both of the same general dimensions.

Traveler speed (it./ Traveler 12 Regular C-shaped mm.) traveler 4,500 No fusing No fusing. 5,500...- ..d Random streaks. 6,500.... Badly fused. 7,500.... o Do. 8,500 Slightly fused D0.

In addition to the above stated improvements, yarn hairiness measurements indicated a to 35% reduction in yarn hairiness when the traveler with a cutout section 22 is utilized as compared to a conventional traveler without the cutout section 22.

Referring now to FIGURE 5, there is a modification shown of the traveler of FIGURES 3 and 4. The traveler 12 of FIGURE 5 is provided with a hook-shaped cutout portion 22' just as the traveler 12, the hook-shaped cutout portion 22' being positioned substantially identical with the hook-shaped cutout portion 22. However, the opposite edge of the traveler is provided with a hook-shaped cutout portion 23' located the same distance from the end of the horn portion 18 as the hook-shaped cutout portion 22. By providing the second hook-shaped cutout portion 23' on the traveler 12', it will now be appreciated that such a traveler may be assembled in either direction on a ring 13 as one hook-shaped portion 22' or 23' will be in the proper position on the trailing edge of the body portion 14' of the traveler. This arrangement results in quicker assembly of the travelers on the ring as care does not have to be taken to insure that the hook-shaped cutout portion is in the proper position.

While the travelers disclosed in FIGURES 4 and 5 are both used for producing S-twist yarns, it will be appreciated that by reversing the position of the hookshaped cutout portions, the traveler can be made for the production of a Z-twist yarn.

Referring now to FIGURE 6, there is a further modification of the present invention and it discloses a traveler 12" which may be used on a ring for the production of either S-twist or Z-twist yarns. Also, the traveler 12" may be assembled on the ring in either direction as a pair of hook-shaped cutout portions 22" and 25" are provided on each edge of its body portion 14". The position of the respective hookshaped cutout portions of the traveler 12" is substantially the same as that describedwith respect to the traveler of FIGURES 3 and 4.

Referring now to FIGURE 7, there is a further modification on the overall formation of traveler in relation to reducing the heat generated in the ring-traveler contact area. This is also shown in FIGURE 2. The traveler horns 18 and 16 are each provided with larger curvatures where said horn joins the traveler body 14 as compared to the broken lines which represent a less desirable formation of the horns as shown in FIGURES 4 to 6. The nature of the curvature is changed so that the horn ends have a downward tilt angle defined between a horizontal line through the horn end with a line through the axis of the horn at the horn end. The range of the tilt angle is 15 to 45 with the preferable tilt angle being 35. Downward inclination of horns 18 and 16 reduces the wrap angle of the traveler horn about the ring flange therefore minimized the area of contact between the ring 13 and the traveler 12 on each of the horns as shown in FIGURE 2. This also appears to reduce chatter and vibration of the traveler.

The travelers of the present invention as heretofore described accomplished the foregoing objects and advantages. By providing the hook-shaped cutout portions in the body portion of the C-shaped traveler, and opening away from the adjacent foot portion, the position of the yarn relative to the traveler is always isolated from the contact area of the traveler with the ring thus reducing bruising and fusing of fibers of the yarn caused by high heat at increased speeds. By providing the hook-shaped cutout portion in the traveler, there is less overall weight for the traveler and thus the center of gravity of the traveler is shifted downwardly towards its foot portions and a better equilibrium is provided materially reducing the wear of the traveler and thus increasing the life.

The travelers have been made from steel and after the hook-shaped cutout portions are formed in the travelers, the travelers are then hardened and carbonized. After hardening and carbonizing the travelers, they are annealed sufficiently to permit them to be flexed onto the ring. Once the travelers have been annealed, it has been found that by tumbling the travelers in the presence of hard articles, the sharp edges of the travelers, especially around the hook-shaped cutout portions, are smooth and this reduces fuzziness in the end product. If desired, the travelers may be polished and nickel plated or they may be coated with a chromium oxide film impregnated with Teflon.

From the above, it will be evident that certain modifications may be made to the traveler of the present invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the terminology used throughout the specification is for the purpose of description and not limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A traveler adapted to engage and move about a ring in the spinning and twisting of yarn comprising: a generally C-shaped member having a body portion, said body portion having a leading edge and a trailing edge, and integral horn portions respectively extending from the ends of the body portion, each of said horn portions having a downward tilt angle defined between a horizontal line through the end of the horn portion and an axis of the horn portion at its end, said tilt angle of each horn portion being in the order of 15 to 45 so that there is minimal contact between each horn portion and the ring, means on said body portion spaced from the horn portions for defining a passageway for yarn whereby yarn is isolated from the area of contact of the horn portions with the ring, said last-mentioned means: including a hookshaped cutout portion in the trailing edge of and lying Within the plane of said body portion, said hook-shaped portion opening radially outwardly of the traveler relative to an axis of the path of movement of the traveler about the ring and being defined by an arc of a circle, said are merging smoothly into the trailing edge of the body portion adjacent the center of the traveler.

2. A traveler as claimed in claim 1 in which said outout portion is at a position in the edge of the body portion which is located a distance from the end of one of the horn portions which is in the order of about one quarter to three quarters of the total length of the traveler in its laid out plan position.

3. A traveler as claimed in claim 1 in which said body portion is provided with two cutout portions, one of said cutout portions being in one edge of the body portion and spaced a distance from the end of one of the horn portions in the order of one-third of the total length of the traveler in its laid out plan position and in which the other cutout portion is in the other edge of said body portion and spaced a distance from the end of the other horn portion in the order of one-third of the total length of the traveler in its laid out plan position.

4. A traveler as claimed in claim 1 in which said body portion is provided with two cutout portions in the same edge of the body portion, each cutout portion being spaced from the end of the respective horn portion by a distance which is in the order of one-third of the total length of the traveler in its laid out plan position whereby the traveler may be used for S-twist yarn and Z-twist yarn.

5. .A traveler as claimed in claim 4 including two additional cutout portions provided in the opposite edge of said body portion adjacent said first-mentioned two cutout portions whereby said traveler may be assembled on the ring in either position.

6. A traveler as claimed in claim 1 in which said hookshaped portion is spaced a distance from the end of one of the horn portions in the order of one-third of the total length of the traveler in its laid out position.

7. A traveler as claimed in claim 6 in which said are has a radius in the order of preferably one-half of the width of the traveler.

8. A traveler as claimed in claim 1 in which the downward tilt angle is in the order of 35.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 7/1892 Fowler 57-125 8 Morin 57-125 Dalpiaz 57119 XR Chilpan 571 19 Chilpan 571 19 5 JOHN PETRAKES, Primary Examiner. 

